Apparatus for selective application of liquid wax to vehicles

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus are disclosed for selectively applying liquid media such as wax or the like, to vehicles. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of differing discrete physically sensible indicia representing selection of the desired treatment for a given vehicle, and sensing the nature of the indicium for such vehicle. Suitable indicia, in one form of the invention, are metallic balls of different dimensions and magnetic properties. Sensing of the nature of the selected indicium and sensing of the vehicle to be treated in an area adjacent an applicator apparatus provide a control input for the applicator apparatus, so that the selected medium may be applied to the vehicle. One form of an apparatus for performing the method includes a conduit, a plurality of signal means of different sizes and properties adapted to be received in the conduit, and means associated with the conduit for sensing the nature of the signal means to thereby control the applicator apparatus.

Unite Andersen Staes te n91 l APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVE APPLICATION OF LlQUlD WAX TO VEHICLES Dan A. Andersen, Duarte, Calif.

Sherman Supersonic lndustries Western, lnc., Monrovia, Calif.

Filed: Apr. 6, 1971 Appl. N0.:13l,620

Related U.S. Application Data Division of Ser. No. 814,778, April 9, 1969.

Inventor:

[73] Assignee:

U.S. Cl. 118/2, 134/45 llnt. Cl. BOSc 5/00 Field of Search 118/2, 7, 73; 134/45, 123;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1 ,Tune 4, 1974 Primary Examiner.lohn P. Mclntosh Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Seidel, Gonda & Goldhammer [57] ABSTRACT A method and apparatus are disclosed for selectively applying liquid media such as wax or the like, to vehicles. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of differing discrete physically sensible indicia representing selection of the desired treatment for a given vehicle, and sensing the nature of the indicium for such vehicle. Suitable indicia, in one form of the invention, are metallic balls of different dimensions and magnetic properties. Sensing of the nature of the selected indicium and sensing of the vehicle to be treated in an area adjacent an applicator apparatus provide zLcontrol input for the applicator apparatus, so that the selected medium may be applied to the vehicle. Zine form of an apparatus for performing the method includes a conduit, a plurality of signal means of different sizes and properties adapted to be received in the conduit, and means associated with the conduit for sensing the nature of the signal means to thereby control the applicator apparatus.

6 Claims, 5 Drawing igures PATENTEDJuR 4 m4 SHEET 1 0f 2 T N M INVENTOR DAN A. ANDERSE/V M mm H q vm mm mm ATTORNE rs PATENTEUJUH 4 m4 SHEET 2 BF 2 /NVEN7'0R DAN A. ANDERSEW A T TORNEYS APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVE APPLICATION OF LIQUID WAX TO VEHICLES This is a division of application, Ser. No. 814,778, filed Apr. 9, 1969.

This invention relates to apparatus for selective application of liquid media to vehicles. More particularly, this invention relates to apparatus for selectively applying different types of media, such as liquid wax, to vehicles in conjunction with automatic car washing apparatus.

It is frequently desirable, after subjecting vehicles to washing in automatic equipment, to further protect their finishes by the application of wax. Two types of wax are presently in commercial use. One of these is applied cold, and the other in a heated condition. Since the performance and cost of the waxes may differ, it is desirable to give customers desiring wax the option of choosing one or the other. Other customers, of course, will prefer to have no wax treatment at all, and it is important that a No-wax" option be open to them. Ac cordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide apparatus whereby the operator of a car wash may selectively apply, at the option of the vehicles owner, a first wax, a second wax, or no wax.

In some instances, it may be desirable to provide only two options, wax or no wax. It is in the purview of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus affording the opportunity for such a selection.

In the present apparatus, differing, discrete, physi cally sensible indicia are used to denote the customers choice. The indicia signifying different choices vary in some sensible physical property. For example, in one presently preferred form of the apparatus, when three options (e.g., regular wax, hot wax, no wax) are available, the indicia are spherical and have differing diameters. In addition, one of the indicia is of magnetic material, such as steel, while the others are of non-magnetic material.

An installation incorporating the present apparatus will include the wellknown washing, brushing and rinsing units, disposed astride a conveyor. One or more wax dispensing arches are provided farther along the conveyor. A control box, within which the above mentioned indicia are enclosed, is provided adjacent an end of the conveyor. When the customer makes his selection, an operator presses a button corresponding to such selection. Appropriate buttons are pushed corresponding to the selections for each succesive vehicle in the order in which such vehicles are to pass through the washing apparatus. Actuation of the buttons by the operator causes the indicia, the above-mentioned spheri cal members, to be aligned within the apparatus in an,

order corresponding to the vehicles whose selection they represent. As the vehicles advance through the washing equipment, each in turn actuates a sensing de vice, such as a wand or the like, adjacent the wax arches. Actuation of such sensing device causes the indicium corresponding to the actuating vehicle to move into a sensing position, whereupon the applicator may be operated or not operated in response to the sensed nature of the indicium; Passage of the vehicle out of contact with the wand causes release of the indicium corresponding to that vehicle, thereby conditioning the apparatus for sensing in turn the indicium corresponding to the next vehicle.

It is desirable in some instances to realign the indicia within the apparatus. For example, if the attendant should forget to make a selection for a particular vehicle, the sequence of the indicia within the apparatus will be incorrect. To provide for this contigency, the apparatus may be provided with a Reject button by which the indicia may be cleared. Re-selection can then be made in the proper sequence.

In light of the foregoing, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide apparatus for selective application of liquid Wax to vehicle.

It is another object of the present invention to provide apparatus wherein the first wax, a second wax, or no wax can be selectively applied to vehicles.

It is a further object to provide: apparatus for selective application of liquid wax to vehicles wherein physically sensible indicia, corresponding to the selection are used to control the application of wax.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

The foregoing and other objects may be accomplished by means of a method comprising the steps of providing a plurality of differing discrete physically sensible indicia representing the selection, selecting an indicium for a given vehicle, sensing the presence of such vehicle adjacent a wax applicator, sensing the nature of the selected indicium for such vehicle, and operating the wax applicator in accordance with the in struction conveyed by the indicium. In one presently preferred form of an apparatus in accordance with the invention, the indicia take the form of spherical members of differing diameters and magnetic properties, sensing of the diameter of a selected indicium and the presence or lack of magnetic response providing a control signal for a wax applicator.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and instrumentalities shown. 1

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an. automatic car wash system incorporating apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 1

' FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an illustrative form of indicia arranging and sensing device for use in apparatus in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a control circuit for use in apparatus in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 5 is a detail view of a portion of the apparatus, taken along the line 5-5 in FIG. 4.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is seen in FIG. 1 an automatic car washing system designated generally by the reference numeral 10.

The system 10 is housed within. an elongated enclosure or building 12, having a vehicle passageway 14 and a walkway 16 parallel thereto. The system 10 includes the usual wheel guide 18 and conveyor 20. Astride the conveyor 20 is a spray arch' 22 for initially wetting a vehicle. Farther along the conveyor 20 is a foam applicator arch 24. Next, there is a wheel washer unit 26.

Also, a brush unit 28, for brushing the sides and tops of vehicles, is generally provided. Other brushing units 30, 32, may be provided for brushing sequentially the front, sides and rear ofa vehicle. The brushing units 30, 32 may correspond, for example, to the brushing unit shown in US. Pat. No. 3,310,824. Still farther along the conveyor there is a window brush and final rinse unit 34.

Wax applicator arches 36 and 38 are next provided. The wax applicator arch 36 may, for example, provide a means for dispensing regular, cold wax. The arch 38, on the other hand, may be arranged to dispense hot wax. Actuator wands 40, 42, the purpose of which will be explained later, are disposed adjacent the respective applicator arches 36, 38. Finally, a blower arch 46 is provided adjacent the end of the conveyor 20. The blower arch 46 at least partially dries the car prior to its exit from the enclosure or building 12. It should be apparent that vehicles to be washed enter the enclosure or building 12 at the right-hand side of FIG. 1, and pass sequentially through the various above-described units, exiting the enclosure or building 12 at the left-hand side of the figure.

Adjacent the entrance end of the enclosure or building 12, that is at the right-hand side of FIG. 1, there is placed a wax applicator control box, designated generally by the reference numeral 48. Disposed on the control box 48 is a first button 50, the actuation of which signals the choice of regular or cold wax. Also on the control box48 is a second button 52, signifying choice of hot wax. A button 54 signals the choice of nowax." Also provided on the control box 48 is a reset button 56, whose function it is to override a choice previously made. Counters 58 and 60 may be provided on the control box 48 to give a convenient readout of the number of cars receiving cold wax and hot wax, respectively. Also, a counter 62 may be provided to give an indication of the total number of vehicles washed.

Counters 58, 60 and 62 are preferably made responsive to the actuator wands 40 and 42, so that their count is unaffected by the operation of the reset button 56.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is seen a representative selection and control signal producting apparatus,

designated generally by the reference numeral 64, contained in the control box 48. Such apparatus will now be described in detail.

Mounted on a chassis is a first conduit 68 disposed at a slight angle to the horizontal. In communication with the .upper end of theconduit 68 is a vertical conduit 70. In communication with the lower end of the conduit 68 is a conduit 72, which intersects a medial portion ofthe vertical conduit 70. Like the conduit 68, the conduit 72 is disposed at a slight angle to the horizontal. A first feed conduit 74 intersects a medial portion of the conduit 68. Also, a second feed conduit 76 intersects the medial portion of the conduit 68 at a point spaced from the feed conduit 74.

The conduits 68 and 72, the vertical conduit 70 and the feed conduits 74, 76 in the illustrated embodiment are all enclosed tubes of circular cross-section. Thus, a spherical object placed in an upper portion of the conduit'68 (at the left in FIG. 2), will tend to roll down the conduit (toward the right in FIG. 2). Also, a spherical object placed at an upper portion of the conduit 72 (at the right of FIG. 2), will tend to roll down the conduit 72 (toward the left of the figure), toward the vertical conduit 70.

The conduit 72 is provided with spaced bottom openings 78, 80. In communication with the bottom opening 78 and feed conduit 74 is a return conduit 82. In communication with the bottom opening and feed conduit 76 is a return conduit 84. The interrelationship of the conduit 72, bottom opening 78 and return conduit 82 is seen in cross-section in FIG. 3. The relationship of the conduit 72, bottom opening 80 and return conduit 84 is similar to the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 3.

The bottom openings 78 and 80 differ from each other in size, the opening 78 being the smaller of the two. Also, the inner diameters of the return conduit 82 and feed conduit 74 are smaller than the inner diameters of the return conduit 84 and the feed conduit 76 with which it is associated. The inner diameters of the vertical conduit 70 and the conduits 68 and 72 are larger than the corresponding dimensions of the return conduits 82, 84 and feed conduits 74 and 76, for a purpose which will be made clear later. As is apparent in FIG. 3, the return conduit 82 is coupled to the conduit 72 by a weld 86 or the like. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that soldering, brazing or other well-known fabricating techniques may be used to equal advantage. Similarly, welding, soldering, brazing or other wellknown techniques may be used to effect the other intersections between the various above-described conduits.

A vertical portion of the feed conduit 76 is provided with aligned elongated slots 88. A kick-up arm 90 projects through the slots 88. A medial portion of the kick-up arm 90 is pivotally coupled to the chassis 66. To this end, a post 92, fixed to the chassis 66 is provided. The post 92 includes a bifurcated upper end, adapted to receive the kick-up arm 90. A pivot pin 94 passes through the bifurcated end of the post 92 and the kick-up arm 90.

A solenoid 96, fixed to the chassis 66, provides an actuator means for the kick-up arm 90. Thus, an actuator rod 98, operatively coupled to the core of the solenoid 96, is pivotally coupled, as by the link 100, to an end of the kick-up arm 90. An adjustable limit stop 102, fixed to the chassis, limits pivoting of the kick-up arm 90 in a clockwise direction as seen in FIG. 2.

' The vertical conduit 70 is provided with aligned slots 104, only one of which is seen in FIG. 2. Associated with the slots 104 is a kick-up arm 106, pivotably mounted in a manner similar to the kick-up arm 90, and operatively associated with the solenoid 108.

Similarly, the feed conduit 74 is provided with aligned slots 110, through which a kick-up arm 112 projects. The kick-up arm 112 is pivotably coupled by means of a pivot pin 114 to the bifurcated upper end of a post 116. The post 116 is secured to the chassis 66. A solenoid actuator 118, similar to the above-described solenoid 96 associated with the kick-up arm 90, is coupled to the kick-up arm 112. An adjustable limit stop 120 is provided for the kick-up arm 112.

Referring once again to the conduits 68 and 70, the conduit 68 is provided with an access opening 122, the purpose of which will be described later. Also, the conduit 68 includes a relieved portion 124. The conduit 72 includes a relieved portion 128 in side-by-side relation to'the relieved portion 124 of the conduit 68. An upstanding wall 128 is coupled to ends of the conduits 68 and 72 adjacent the relieved portions 124 and 126. The generally open area defined by the relieved portions 124 and 126 of the conduits 68 and 72 and the upstanding wall 128 provides, as will be seen, a sensing station, designated generally by the reference numeral 1311.

A flange 132 extends upwardly from the chassis 66 adjacent the sensing station 130. A microswitch 134, which includes an elongated actuator arm 136, is mounted on the flange 132. The actuator arm 136 projects'downwardly into the area of the sensing station 131). Also mounted on the flange 132 adjacent the sensing station 131) is a solenoid 138. A gate 141) is coupled to a rod 142 associated with the core of the solenoid 138. The gate 140 normally extends into the sensing station 130, in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2. in response to actuation of the solenoid 138, the rod 142 is moved axially to the right in FIG. 2, to withdraw the gate 140 from the sensing station 130.

Also disposed adjacent the sensing station 130 is a microswitch 144', which includes an arm 146. A magnet 148 is secured to the upper end of the arm 146.

The operation of the selection and control signal producing apparatus 64 will now be described in detail.

The conduit 68 is adapted to receive spherical signal means or indicia 150, 152, 154. The signal means 150, 152, 154 differ from each other in diameter. For example, the signal means 150 has a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the opening 78 in the conduit 72 and the inner diameter of the return conduit 82 and feed conduit 74. The signal means 152 has a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the opening 80 in the conduit 72 and the'inner diameter of the return conduit 84 and feed conduit 76. The diameter of the signal means 152 is, however, substantially larger than the opening 78. The signal means 154 has a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the conduits 68 and 72 and the vertical conduit 70, but is substantially larger than the opening 80in the conduit 72. In one operative embodiment of the apparatus the signal means 150 had a diameter of nine-sixteenth inch; the signal means 152 had a diameter of fivc-eighths inch; and the signal means 154 had a diameter of three-fourths inch.

in addition to their above-mentioned differences in external dimension, the signal means 150, 152, 154 may have other distinguishing physical properties. For example, one or more of them may be made of steel or other materials havingmagnetic properties, whereas, the others may be brass, for example, or other suitable non-magnetic materials. In the illustrated embodiment, it is intended that the signal means 152 be of magnetic material, and the signal means 150 and 154 be of nonmagnetic material.

Initially, the signal means 150, 152 and 154 may be inserted into the conduit 68 through the access opening 122. The slope of the conduit 68 causes the signal means 150, 152, 54 to roll downwardly into abutment with the gate 140, lf the gate 140 is then retracted by hand, the signal means 150, 152, 154 may be made to enter and roll down the conduit 72. The signal means 150 will fall into the opening 78 in conduit; traverse the return conduit 82; and enter the feed conduit 74. The signal means 150 ultimately comes to rest on an edge of the kick-up arm 112. The signal means 152 will roll over the opening 78, and fall through the opening 80. It will then traverse the return conduit 84, and enter the feed conduit 76, to rest on an edge of the kick-up arm 90. The signal means 154 rolls over the openings 78 and 80 and traverses the entire length of the conduit 72. It then enters the vertical conduit 76, and comes to rest on an edge of the kick-up arm 106.

In the illustrated embodiment, actuation of the abovementioned button 50, signalling a choice of regular wax, causes the solenoid 1118 to rapidly rotate the kick-up arm 1116, thereby propelling the signal means 154 upwardly into the conduit 68. The signal means 154 then traverses the length of the conduit 68, and comes to rest against the gate 141], adjacent the sensing station 1311.

1f the gate 140 is then withdrawn, the signal means 154 rolls downwardly into the sensing station 1311.

Referring to FIG. 5, the diameter of the signal means 154 is such that it deflects the actuator arm 136 of the microswitch 134 when in the sensing station 130, thereby producing a signal corresponding to the regu lar wax selection. Pressing of the button 50, therefore, constitutes an act of selecting an indicium, the signal means 154, representing a choice of regular wax.

Similarly, pressing of the button 54 for a choice of no-wax actuate's the solenoid 118 and kick-up arm 112 to propel the signal means 151] into the conduit 68. The diameter of the signal means 150 is such that it does not contact the actuator arm 136 of the microswitch 134 when it arrives at the sensing station 1311. Conse quently, selection of no-wax" in the illustrated embodiment is characterized by the absence of an electrical signal from theselection and control signal producing apparatus 64. Pressing of the button 54 constitutes an act of selection of an indicium, the signal means 150, signifying the choice of no-wax.

When it is desired to make a selection of hot wax, the above-described button 52 may be pressed to actuate the solenoid 96 and operate the kick-up arm 90. The signal 152 is thus propelled into the conduit 68, and rolls downwardly into contact with the gate 140. If the gate 140 is not retracted, the signal means 152 rolls downwardly without contacting actuator arm 36 into contact with the upstanding wall 128, and into proximity with the magnet 148 adjacent the wall 128. The presence of the signal means 152 thereby causes actuation of the microswitch 144 to provide a signal signifying the choice of hot wax. Thus, pressing of the button 52 constitutes an act of selection of an indicium, the signal means 152, signifying the choice of hot wax.

As has already been seen, sensing of the nature of the selected indicium, as evidenced by a signal from the microswitch 134, the microswitch 144, or neither of the microswitches, is accomplished when the gate 140 is withdrawn from the sensing station 130. Biasing means, not shown, normally project the gate 140 into the position in which it is seen in FIG. 2, partly obstructing the sensing station 130. As has been seen, the presence of the gate 140 in the sensing station prevents the signal means 150, 152, 154 from entering the sensing station 130, and withdrawal of the gate initiates sensing of the nature of the selected signal means 150, 152, 154. After sensing, projection of the gate 140 results in the signal means 150, 152, 154 being kicked out of the sensing station 131), and into the conduit 72. This action is depicted by an arrow in P10. 2. Once in the conduit 72, the signal means 150, 152, 154 is routed automatically to the feed conduit 74, feed conduit 76 or vertical conduit 70, appropriate to its size.

By making the solenoid 138 which controls the gate 140 responsive to the actuator wands 411, 42 or other means for sensing the proximity of a vehicle adjacent the wax applicators 36, 38, the selected wax may be sequentially applied to a series of vehicles passing through the system 10. For example, as a series of vehicles approaches the system 10, the operator can make a selection corresponding to the desired treatment for each vehicle by pressing the proper button 50, 52, 54. Signal means 150, 152, 154 will arrive in the conduit 68 in an order corresponding to the time sequence of their selection.

Now, suppose that the selection made for the first vehicle was cold wax, so that the first signal means in the conduit 68 is a signal means 154, that is, a brass ball of a size sufficient to contact the actuator arm 136. The

gate 140 is withdrawn in response to displacement of the actuator wand-40, thereby causing the signal means 154 to advance into the sensing station. Contact between the signal means 154 and actuator arm 136 initiates the applicationof wax from the appropriate applicator 36. Since the signal means 154 is of non-magnetic material, it produces no response from the magnet 148. Consequently, the hot wax applicator 38 is not actuated.

When a vehicle passes out of contact with the actuator wand 40, the solenoid 138 is released, and the gate 140 once again projects into the sensing station 130. The gate 130 prevents,for the time being, advancement of the next signal means 150, 152, 154 into the sensing station. Also, the gate 140 kicks the signal means 154 into the conduit 72. The signal means 154 returns to the vertical conduit 70 in the abovedescribed manner.

Assuming now, that the next selection is for no-wax, the signal means 150 will have been transferred by action of the kick-up arm 112 to conduit 68, and positioned behind the signal means 154. After completion of the wax application corresponding to the selection of signal means 154, the signal means 150 is retained out of the sensing station by the gate 140. When the vehicle operates the actuator wand 40, the gate 140 is withdrawn, and signal means 150 advances into the sensing station 130. Since the signal means 150 is too small to contact the actuator arm 136, and of nonmagnetic material, neither of the microswitches 134, 144 is affected by its presence in the sensing station. No actuating signal is provided for either of the wax applicators 36, 38, and consequently, no wax is applied to the vehicle. As the vehicle passes out of contact with the actuator wand 40, the gate 140 ejects the signal means 150 from the sensing station 130 in the abovedescribed manner.

Let it now be assumed that the selection corresponding to the third vehicle in the series is hot wax. Upon ejection of the signal means 150, the signal means 152 against the gate 140. Contact between the vehicle and the actuator wand 40 causes withdrawal of the gate 140, and thereby permits movement of signal means 152 into the sensing station 130. Signal means 152 is not sufficiently large to contact the actuator arm 136. Because it is steel, however, the signal means 152 attracts the magnet 148, and causes actuation of the microswitch 144, thus signifying the hot wax choice.

. Operation of the hot wax applicator 38 is preferably begun in response to displacement of the actuator wand 42.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the actuator wand 42 is positioned adjacent to the hot wax applicator to avoid premature turn-on and shut-off of such applicator. The

actuator wand 42 is so spaced from the actuator wand 40 that a vehicle cannot release the actuator wand 40 before it reaches the actuator wand 42. As will be seen later, the actuator wand 42 operates a holding circuit so that even though the vehicle leaves the actuator wand 40, and the signal means 150 is kicked from the sensing station 130, the application of hot wax continues until the vehicle passes out of contact with the actuator wand 42.

In the above-described operational sequence, succes- The reset button 56, like the buttons 50, 52 and 54, operates to withdraw the gate from the sensing station 130. If an error or omission in selection is made, the reset button 56 may be pressed repeatedly to release all of the signal means 150, 152 154 in the conduit 68. By observing the vehicles approaching the applicators 36 and 38, the proper selection sequence can be readily re-established through the use of the buttons 50, 52 and 54.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is seen schematic wiring diagram of a circuit, designated generally by the reference numeral 156, for controlling the wax applicators 36, 38. In FIG. 4, elements corresponding to those described above are indicated by like reference numerals. As for example, it is seen that pressing of the button 54 for a selection of no-wax completes a circuit through an inductor associated with the solenoid 118 to deliver a signal means to the conduit 68. When a vehicle for which such a selection is made contacts the actuator wand 40, a circuit is completed through an inductor 158 associated with the total vehicle counter 62 on the control box 48. Also, a circuit is completed through a control relay 160. Actuation of such relay causes closing of a switch 162 to complete a circuit through the inductor of the solenoid 138. Thus, the gate 140 is withdrawn, and the selected signal means 150 arrives at the sensing station 130.

If the selection is for cold wax, operation of the button 50 energizes the inductor associated with solenoid 108, and a signal means 154 is placed in the conduit 68. When the vehicle to be so treated contacts the actuator wand 40, the control relay operates the switch 162 to energize the inductor 138 and withdraw the gate 140, as before.

The presence of the signal means 154 in the sensing station 130 is sensed by the microswitch 134, closure of which completes a circuit through a control relay 164 associated with the cold wax applicator 34. Thus,

the application of wax is initiated.

A switch 166, wired in series with the microswitch 144, is also closed in response to actuation of the control relay 160 by the actuator wand 40. Closing of the microswitch 144 and switch 166 completes a circuit including an inductor 168. The inductor 168 operates the counter 58 in the control box 48 to provide a running count of vehicles treated with cold wax. The inductor 158 associated with the total cars counter 62 is also actuated as before to provide the total vehicles count. Passage of the vehicle out of contact with the actuator wand 40 de-energizes the relay 16 i), and re-opens the switch 162, thereby causing ejection of the signal means 154 from the sensing station 130.

If the selection is hot wax, operation of the button 52 completes a circuit through the inductor associated with the solenoid 96, thereby transporting a signal means 152 to the conduit 68. As in each of the abovedescribed cases, contact of the vehicle with the actuator wand 40 energizes the relay 160 to close the switch 162 and withdraw the gate 140. As before, the inductor 158 associated with the total vehicles counter 62 is also energized.

The signal means 152, it will be recalled, is of magnetic material. Accordingly, presence of the signal means 152 in the sensing station 130 results in closing of the magnetically actuated microswitch 1441. Now, when the vehicle comes into contact with the actuator wand 42, a circuit is completed through a control relay 166. Normally open switches 168 and 170 close in response to energization of the control relay 166. Wired in series with theswitch 168 is an inductor 172 associated with the counter 60 in the control box 48. Thus, closing of the switch 168 provides a count of hot wax treated vehicles.

Closing of the switch 170 completes a circuit through a control relay 174 associated with the hot wax applicator 38 to initiate the wax application.

As the vehicle passes out of contact with the actuator wand 40, the control relay 160 is once again deenergized, and the switch 162 opened. Thus, the signal means 152 is kicked out of the sensing station 130.

Although the microswitch 144 is again opened upon ejection of the signal means 152 from the sensing station 130, the application of wax continues. Thus, conductors 176 and 178 provide a shunt to maintain energization of the control relay 166 despite re-opening of the microswitch 124. Continued energization of the control rely 166, of course, maintains the switch 170 in a closed condition. Thus, the control relay 174 for operating the hot wax applicator 38 remains energized until the actuator wand 42 signals passage of the vehicle away from the hot wax applicator 38.

Although the foregoing description is directed to an embodiment of the invention wherein three choices, namely, no-wax, cold wax or hot wax, are provided, it is within the scope of this invention to provide fewer choices, for example, wax or no-wax. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, an apparatus capable of providing only two choices can be had by simply eliminating from the above-described apparatus the elements for selecting and applying the undesired option. Solely for the purpose of illustration, in FIG. 4, the circuitry associated with the application of hot wax has been depicted in dotted line. Referring to Flg. 2, if the hot wax option were eliminated, the feed conduit 76 and its associated mechanisms. the return conduit 84 and kick-up arm 90, would be eliminated, together with the microswitch 144. .T he remaining portions of the signal producing apparatus 64 and schematic circuit 156 would operate in the above-described manner.

The present invention may be embodied in other specitic forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof.

It is claimed:

til

1. Apparatus forselectively applying liquid wax to vehicles in vehicle washing apparatus, comprising applicator means for dispensing the wax, means for sens ing the presence of a vehicle in proximity to the applicator means, and means operatively coupled to the applicator means for selectively causing the applicator means to dispense wax, said last-mentioned means comprising differing discrete physically sensible signal means corresponding respectively to choices of applying and not applying wax to the vehicle, said signal means having at least one mutually distinguishing physical property, means for selecting a signal means for a given vehicle, a sensing station adapted to receive said signal means, responsive to said means for sensing the presence of a vehicle in proximity to the applicator means for positioning the selected signal means at said sensing station, and sensing means disposed at said sensing station capable of sensing the distinguishing property of the selected signal means, said sensing means being operatively coupled to the applicator means so that the apparatus is operated in response to a signal therefrom.

2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said applicator means comprises respective means for selectively dispensing two types of wax, said signal means including differing signal means corresponding respectively to choices of applying wax of one type, applying wax of another type, and not applying wax, said signal means having at least one mutually distinguishing physical property, said sensing means disposed at said sensing station being capable of sensing each distinguishing property of said signal means.

3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein said signal means are balls having different diameters, at least one of said balls being of non-magnetic material.

4. Apparatus for selectively applying liquid wax to vehicles in vehicle washing apparatus, comprising energizable means for dispensing liquid wax, means for sensing the presence of a vehicle in proximity to said liquid wax dispensing means, and means or selectively enabling said dispenser to dispense liquid wax so that liquid wax is dispensed when said dispenser is enabled and a vehicle is sensed, said enabling means comprising a chassis, a conduit supported on said chassis at an angle with the horizontal, said conduit comprising a sensing station, indicia sensing means at said sensing station for distinguishing between at least first and said distinguishable indic'a, first and second indicia, said indicia being of different sizes and being rollable along said conduit to said indicia sensing means, separate means for storing each of said indicia, means coupled to each of said last named means for selectively delivering the indicium therein to said conduit so that it can roll toward and be sensed by said indicia sensing means, means connected between each of said storage means and said conduit for returning said indicia to their respective storage means after they pass said sensingstation, and said indicia sensing means is operatively coupled to said liquid wax dispensing means so that wax is dispensed therefrom in response to a signal from said indicia sensing means when a vehicle is sensed in proximity to said liquid wax dispenser.

5. Apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein one of said indicia is larger than the other, a switch, said switch having an operator at said sensing station, said switch operator extending into the path of the larger 12 than the larger of said first two indicia, said third indicium being responsive to magnetic forces, a magnetic switch at said sensing switch, said switch being operative to energiic said second means for dispensing liquid wax from said second liquid wax dispenser.

l l l l 

1. Apparatus for selectively applying liquid wax to vehicles in vehicle washing apparatus, comprising applicator means for dispensing the wax, means for sensing the presence of a vehicle in proximity to the applicator means, and means operatively coupled to the applicator means for selectively causing the applicator means to dispense wax, said last-mentioned means comprising differing discrete physically sensible signal means corresponding respectively to choices of applying and not applying wax to the vehicle, said signal means having at least one mutually distinguishing physical property, means for selecting a signal means for a given vehicle, a sensing station adapted to receive said signal means, responsive to said means for sensing the presence of a vehicle in proximity to the applicator means for positioning the selected signal means at said sensing station, and sensing means disposed at said sensing station capable of sensing the distinguishing property of the selected signal means, said sensing means being operatively coupled to the applicator means so that the apparatus is operated in response to a signal therefrom.
 2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said applicator means comprises respective means for selectively dispensing two types of wax, said signal means including differing signal means corresponding respectively to choices of applying wax of one type, applying wax of another type, and not applying wax, said signal means having at least one mutually distinguishing physical property, said sensing means disposed at said sensing station being capable of sensing each distinguishing property of said signal means.
 3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein said signal means are balls having different diameters, at least one of said balls being of non-magnetic material.
 4. Apparatus for selectively applying liquid wax to vehicles in vehicle washing apparatus, comprising energizable means for dispensing liquid wax, means for sensing the presence of a vehicle in proximity to said liquid wax dispensing means, and means or selectively enabling said dispenser to dispense liquid wax so that liquid wax is dispensed when said dispenser is enabled and a vehicle is sensed, said enabling means comprising a chassis, a conduit supported on said chassis at an angle with the horizontal, said conduit comprising a sensing station, indicia sensing means at said sensing station for distinguishing between at least first and said distinguishable indica, first and second indicia, said indicia being of different sizes and being rollable along said conduit to said indicia sensing means, separate means for storing each of said indicia, means coupled to each of said last named means for selectively delivering the indicium therein to said conduit so that it can roll toward and be sensed by said indicia sensing means, means connected between each of said storage means and said conduit for returning said indicia to their respective storage means after they pass said sensing station, and said indicia sensing means is operatively coupled to said liquid wax dispensing means so that wax is dispensed therefrom in response to a signal from said indicia sensing means when a vehicle is sensed in proximity to said liquid wax dispenser.
 5. Apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein one of said indicia is larger than the other, a switch, said switch having an operator at said sensing station, said switch oPerator extending into the path of the larger indicium to be tripped thereby, said switch being coupled to said wax applicator, and said wax applicator dispenses wax when said switch is tripped.
 6. Apparatus in accordance with claim 5 including a third indicium and a second energizable means for dispensing liquid wax, said third indicium being smaller than the larger of said first two indicia, said third indicium being responsive to magnetic forces, a magnetic switch at said sensing switch, said switch being operative to energize said second means for dispensing liquid wax from said second liquid wax dispenser. 